B-Side Guys

Chrome Rodeo’s evolution into full-band territory continues with “Miss Miss,” a track that demonstrates how nostalgia can fuel forward momentum rather than backward gazing. Their second collective effort builds on whatever foundation “Very Mid Summer” established while carving out distinctly different emotional territory, suggesting a group comfortable with stylistic range rather than locked into single-minded pursuit.

The ’90s alternative rock influences run deeper than surface-level grunge revival, tapping into the era’s particular blend of melodic accessibility and sonic grit. Chrome Rodeo understands that decade’s magic lay not in its heaviness alone but in how bands balanced pop sensibilities with rougher textures. The production captures this balance without resorting to period-accurate recording techniques that might sacrifice contemporary clarity.

Guitar work drives the arrangement without dominating it, allowing space for rhythm section interplay that suggests a band still discovering its collective chemistry. The pop-punk elements surface through tempo choices and vocal delivery patterns rather than obvious chord progressions, indicating musicians who’ve absorbed those influences organically rather than studied them academically.

Chrome Rodeo’s approach to retro aesthetics avoids the trap of cosplay rock—music that sounds like tribute rather than evolution. Instead, “Miss Miss” feels like natural progression from artists who grew up with these sounds and now translate them through personal experience rather than historical recreation. The song works because it doesn’t announce its influences loudly.

The track’s energy suggests live performance priorities, music built for rooms rather than headphones exclusively. This isn’t surprising for a group that’s moved from solo project to full band, understanding that collective music-making requires different dynamics than bedroom recording. Chrome Rodeo seems to have made this transition successfully.

“Miss Miss” positions the band as students of ’90s alternative rock who’ve graduated to creating their own curriculum rather than simply completing assigned reading.